Embracing Our Spiritual Identity and Divine Guidance

Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth that each of us is more than what we see in the mirror—we are spirits living in “earth suits.” Just as an astronaut is hidden inside a spacesuit, our true selves are spiritual beings placed by God into physical bodies for a purpose. God created us intentionally, placing us in this world at the right time and in the right circumstances, not by accident but by divine design. This understanding is foundational to how we relate to God and to others, recognizing that our spiritual nature is central to our identity and calling.

We learned that God is always speaking to us, not just when we ask for something, but in the everyday moments of life. Because God is spirit, we hear Him not with our physical ears, but with our spirit—what the Bible often calls our “heart.” This inner sense is like a spiritual traffic light: sometimes we feel a green light of peace and certainty, sometimes a yellow light of caution, and sometimes a red light of warning or unease. By paying attention to these inner promptings, we can discern God’s guidance in both big and small decisions.

We practiced tuning into this spiritual sense through a simple exercise, distinguishing between the feeling of “I have to” (which often brings unease) and “I want to” (which brings certainty and peace). This is not just intuition or conscience, but the Holy Spirit communicating with us, helping us navigate life’s choices. God also speaks through nature, recurring events, and even through the needs and situations of others, inviting us to pray and act with compassion.

It’s vital to remember that our spiritual awareness is not just for our own benefit, but equips us for the spiritual battles we face. We are not wrestling against people, but against spiritual forces, and our ability to hear God’s voice keeps us anchored in truth and love, preventing us from making enemies of those around us. God’s desire is for ongoing relationship—a continual conversation where He reveals His heart, His joy, and His guidance for our lives.

Finally, we were reminded that God is deeply enamored with us, more than we can imagine. He sees us, knows us, and delights in us. When we let go of striving and allow Him to work in our lives—especially in overwhelming situations—He brings clarity, peace, and victory. Our joy is found in hearing from our Father and sharing that joy with others.

Key Takeaways

- You Are a Spirit in an Earth Suit
Our true identity is spiritual, not merely physical. God created us as spirits and placed us in bodies for a purpose, at a specific time and place. This means our value and calling are rooted in God’s intentional design, not in our circumstances or appearance. Embracing this truth brings freedom from feelings of inadequacy or accident. [00:48]

- God Speaks Continually—Learn to Listen with Your Spirit
God is always communicating, not just when we pray or ask for help. Because He is spirit, we must learn to listen with our spirit—our heart—rather than relying solely on our physical senses. This requires quieting ourselves and paying attention to the inner promptings and peace (or lack thereof) that the Holy Spirit gives. [02:21]

- Discernment Comes Through Spiritual “Traffic Lights”
God often guides us through a sense of peace (green light), caution (yellow light), or warning (red light) in our spirit. When facing decisions, tuning into these feelings helps us discern God’s will. Practicing this discernment, even in small matters, builds confidence in recognizing God’s voice and direction. [04:58]

- Spiritual Awareness Equips Us for Real Battles
The challenges we face are often spiritual in nature, even when they appear as conflicts with people or circumstances. Recognizing that we are in a spiritual battle helps us avoid making enemies of others and keeps us focused on the true adversary. Staying spiritually aware and responsive to God’s voice is essential for victory and for loving others well. [23:37]

- Let God Do What Only He Can Do
When life feels overwhelming, it’s often because we’re trying to handle things in our own strength. God invites us to step aside and let Him work, trusting that He can accomplish what we cannot. This surrender is not passivity, but a partnership—He clears the way, and we follow His lead, resulting in peace, clarity, and blessing for all involved. [33:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - We Are Spirits in Earth Suits
[02:21] - Hearing God with Our Spirit
[03:27] - The Spiritual Traffic Light
[04:58] - Discerning God’s Voice in Our Hearts
[07:46] - Practicing Certainty and Spiritual Sensitivity
[09:09] - The “I Have To” vs. “I Want To” Exercise
[10:10] - Certainty and God’s Guidance
[11:40] - God Speaks Through Nature and Circumstances
[13:36] - Talking to God in Every Way
[14:54] - Practicing Hearing God This Week
[18:35] - The Simplicity of Hearing God
[22:05] - Spirit Awareness and Divine Purpose
[23:37] - Spiritual Battles and True Enemies
[27:06] - God Welcomes Every Question
[28:00] - Joy in Hearing the Father’s Voice
[29:32] - God Sees, Knows, and Loves You
[32:41] - Letting God Handle the Overwhelming
[37:10] - Blessing and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

2. John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

3. Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be a “spirit in an earth suit”? How did the astronaut illustration help explain this? [[00:48]]
2. What are some ways the sermon described how God speaks to us in everyday life? [[11:40]]
3. How did the pastor describe the “spiritual traffic light” and what do the green, yellow, and red lights represent? [[04:58]]
4. In Ephesians 6:12, who or what does Paul say our real struggle is against?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor said God created us as spirits and placed us in bodies for a purpose, at a specific time and place. How does this understanding affect the way someone might view their own worth or circumstances? [[22:05]]
2. The “spiritual traffic light” was described as a way God guides us through peace, caution, or warning. How is this different from just following your feelings or intuition? [[09:09]]
3. Ephesians 6:12 says our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces. How might this change the way someone responds to conflict or difficult relationships? [[23:37]]
4. The pastor mentioned that God is always speaking, not just when we pray. What might it look like to listen for God’s voice in the “small things” of daily life? [[13:36]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “You are a spirit in an earth suit.” How does this truth challenge the way you see yourself, especially when you feel inadequate or out of place? [[00:48]]
2. Think about a recent decision you had to make. Did you sense a “green light” (peace), “yellow light” (caution), or “red light” (unease) in your spirit? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [[04:58]]
3. The sermon encouraged practicing the “I have to” vs. “I want to” exercise. This week, when you face a task or choice, try this exercise. What do you notice about your sense of certainty or unease? [[09:09]]
4. The pastor said God sometimes gets our attention through repeated events, nature, or noticing someone’s need. Can you recall a time when God might have been speaking to you in one of these ways? How did you respond? [[11:40]]
5. When you feel overwhelmed, the pastor encouraged “letting God do what only He can do.” Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to step aside and let God work? What would it look like to do that? [[33:57]]
6. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that people are not our real enemy. Is there someone you’ve been in conflict with lately? How could seeing them as an “image bearer of God” change your attitude or actions toward them? [[23:37]]
7. The pastor said God is “enamored with you” and delights in you. How easy or hard is it for you to believe this? What might help you receive God’s love more fully this week? [[29:32]]

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Devotional

Day 1: You are a spirit in an earth suit, created by God for a purpose

Every person is more than just what is seen on the outside; each of us is a spirit living inside a physical body, intentionally created by God and placed on earth at a specific time for a specific purpose. No matter the circumstances of your birth or your life, you are not a mistake—God formed your spirit and placed you here with everything you need to be victorious in your situation. Embracing this truth helps you understand your true identity and value, and reminds you that your life is meaningful and significant in God’s eyes. [22:05]

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that you are here on purpose? Ask God to show you how He has uniquely placed and equipped you for this season.


Day 2: God is always speaking—learn to hear His voice with your spirit

God desires to communicate with you continually, not just when you ask for something. Because God is spirit, we hear Him not with our physical ears but with our spirit—often described as our heart or even a sense deep within us. Just as you might feel a sense of peace, caution, or uneasiness in your “tummy,” God uses these inner promptings to guide you. Learning to recognize and trust these spiritual signals helps you discern God’s direction in both big and small decisions, drawing you closer to Him in daily life. [04:58]

John 10:27 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you faced—did you sense a “green,” “yellow,” or “red” light in your spirit? How might God have been guiding you through that inner sense?


Day 3: Certainty and peace come from following the Spirit’s leading

There is a difference between doing something out of obligation and doing it with a willing heart; when you follow the Spirit’s leading, you experience a deep sense of certainty and peace. God often confirms His direction by giving you a settled assurance in your spirit, while uneasiness or reluctance can signal caution or a need to pause. Practicing awareness of this inner certainty helps you align your actions with God’s will and avoid unnecessary struggle or regret. [10:10]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Is there a decision or relationship where you feel unsettled or at peace? What would it look like to let the peace of Christ “rule” in that area today?


Day 4: God cares about every detail—bring even the small things to Him

God is not distant or uninterested in the details of your life; He cares about what concerns you, no matter how small or simple it may seem. You can talk to Him about anything, and He delights in your questions and your desire to include Him in every part of your day. Whether it’s putting away your toys, navigating a relationship, or facing a challenge, God invites you to ask for His guidance and trust that He is attentive to your needs and desires. [27:06]

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Reflection: What is one small, everyday concern you usually handle on your own? Take a moment to talk to God about it and invite Him into that part of your life.


Day 5: Let God do what only He can—surrender your struggles and follow His lead

When life feels overwhelming and you’re tempted to handle everything on your own, God invites you to step aside and let Him work on your behalf. He has the power and wisdom to clear the path before you, but you must trust Him enough to surrender control and follow His lead. This doesn’t mean you do nothing, but rather that you allow God to accomplish what you cannot, and then faithfully walk in the steps He makes clear. In surrender, you find freedom, clarity, and the assurance that God’s way is always best for everyone involved. [33:57]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been “pushing the mower” on your own? How can you practically step aside and let God take the lead this week?

Quotes

When you want to know if you should do something good, you ask God and say, how should I do it? And then you feel in your spirit or your tummy. If you feel good about it, if it feels okay, then you can do it. Now, if it feels like, hmm, I don't know. I don't know. You kind of feel uneasy about it. Then you just kind of proceed with caution like the yellow light. But if you feel stop, if you feel that, oh, kind of, no, that's like, no, don't do it, okay? That's what that means. [00:05:25] (42 seconds)  #SpiritGuidesDecisions Edit Clip

There are several ways we can hear God. Okay? It's not just through that, but we can hear God through seeing things. How many know that you can see nature? The Bible says that the whole earth declares God's glory. The whole earth is full of God's glory. [00:11:09] (20 seconds)  #GodSpeaksThroughNature Edit Clip

If you see something several times in a row, you see something like I have, I've been going down the road, and I'll see the same vehicle, the same color, multiple times in a row. It's different. It's different. You can see the same type of tree. Okay? You can see, then sometimes that means God's trying to get your attention. Okay? So we can say, God, what are you trying to tell me? [00:12:02] (26 seconds)  #DivineSigns Edit Clip

God cares about the simplest things. God, should I put away my toys? Hmm. What do you think God's going to say about that? Yes. Mm -hmm. When mom and dad says, put away your toys and you don't do it, you kind of get that little, mm, you get that yellow light and all of a sudden a red light and it's like, oh, I probably should have done it. So then we get a green light by doing it. [00:14:43] (21 seconds)  #GodCaresAboutSmallThings Edit Clip

It's a very simplistic approach to how you hear God, but it has worked so well. I learned this, especially that certainty exercise is you learn how certainty feels. So when you ask God, when you, when God is directing you and guiding you, you can use that. This is where I sense the spirit because when it says that from your heart, flows rivers from your heart, it's not talking about the muscle in your chest that pumps blood. It's talking about the center of your being. Your spirit is the center of your being. [00:19:30] (34 seconds)  #CertaintyInSpirit Edit Clip

That's why you can't say, I was a mistake. And it doesn't matter what the circumstance of your birth was. You were not a mistake because God intentionally put you here in this circumstance. that you were in. He didn't cause the circumstance, but he said, this one I've placed inside of them what it takes to be victorious over this situation. [00:23:02] (24 seconds)  #SpiritualAwareness Edit Clip

When you talk to God, there are no stupid questions. When you talk to me, sometimes there probably is. But when you talk to God, because I'm not God, I haven't gotten there yet. I'm trying to get there. But God, there is no stupid questions because he knows the intent of your heart. He knows the intent. [00:27:06] (21 seconds)  #GodHidesToReveal Edit Clip

God loves to play hide and seek, but he loves to play hide and seek like you play with a toddler. A toddler will go hide behind a broomstick thinking they're hidden. And that's how God hides. God will hide in plain sight. He has a mystery that he wants to explain, but he just wants you to talk to him. He just wants to carry a conversation with you. [00:27:50] (21 seconds)  #JoyInHearingGod Edit Clip